The leader in industrial automation and control solutions

What is XML?

XML stands for Extensible Markup Language and its a way to store information in a tree structure with tags and elements. XML Data is stored inside tags, and each tag can have attributes or nested…

Define Smart Factory

This is the interconnection of automated systems (operational technology) and information technology. A distributed network of devices generating, transmitting, and consuming data for status, analysis, or statistical purposes.

Define Push Notification

A push notification is a message that pops up on a mobile device. App publishers can send them at any time; users don’t have to be in the app or using their devices to receive…

How much is an OPC-UA License?

There is a one-time fee of $300.00 for an OPC-UA license. Select Maple Systems cMT models do not require a separate license, please refer to specific models for more information.

Define Smart Industry

This is the interconnection of automated systems (operational technology) and information technology. A distributed network of devices generating, transmitting, and consuming data for status, analysis, or statistical purposes.

Define OPC Server

The OPC server is a software program that converts the hardware communication protocol used by a PLC into the OPC protocol. The OPC UA server grants access to Client devices that wish to connect. The…

Is JSON supported in MQTT / Ignition?

Yes, JSON Advanced setting has been added for MQTT Topic Publisher on cMT Series models. Aside from being compatible with the existing simple JSON format, this function allows users to define JSON format with more…

What is OPC UA?

OPC UA (Unified Architecture) is the next generation of OPC, featuring cross-platform interoperability, high security, and proven reliability. Developed by the OPC Foundation, it is a machine to machine communication protocol for the industrial automation…

How do I use JSON with Ignition MQTT Engine?

Tech Note 5119, “Using Ignition MQTT Engine with Maple Systems HMIs” provides set-by-step instructions on how to setup the Ignition MQTT Engine, custom topics, and JSON payloads. The Tech Note assumes that the user already…

Define MQTT Subscriber or Client

The end user of the data. This can range from a high-end ERP management program that tracks information for control and data analytics, to a website that simply displays real-time operational facility data, and anything…

How do I set-up MQTT?

Tech Note 5111, “MQTT Set Up,” walks through the steps necessary to configure a Maple Systems HMI as an edge gateway for an MQTT network. There are 4 main tasks that are addressed in the…

Define MQTT Topic

A text string created by the MQTT network administrator to reference or address data. A topic may include a single data point or multiple related points. These topics are then subscribed to by the end…

How does OPC UA work with Maple Systems products?

OPC UA is a communication protocol supported by many SCADA, MES, and ERP software providers. OPC UA uses a Client/Server architecture. This protocol has built-in security with signed and encrypted data transfer using state-of-the-art encryption…

What are the advantages of using JSON in MQTT?

Two major advantages of using JSON Advanced format settings in MQTT: Direct use of object data format. The advanced mode not only supports object format but also supports nested data structure to facilitate direct integration…

Define MySQL Database

MySQL is the world’s most popular open source database. With its proven performance, reliability, and ease-of-use, MySQL has become the leading database choice for web-based applications. Additionally, it is an extremely popular choice as embedded…

What are the key features of OPC UA?

OPC UA Features: Cross-Platform: OPC UA uses standard TCP/IP to communicate, enabling OPC UA clients to operate on Linux, Windows, Mac, iOS and Android operating systems. High Security: OPC UA uses certificates to authenticate clients…

Define MQTT Broker (aka Server)

A fundamental advantage of MQTT is that data is sent to a central “broker” instead of being directly transmitted to multiple clients such as remote interfaces or management software. The MQTT broker is responsible for…

What is MySQL?

MySQL is a powerful tool that can be used with select HMIs to help collect and display data for easier monitoring and analytics. MySQL is a relational database management system that uses SQL, or Structured…

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

The Internet of things (IoT) is the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity which enables these things to connect, collect and exchange data.

What is an Edge Gateway (EG)?

In automation systems a gateway is a protocol translator. In the IIoT, protocol translators are referred to as “Edge Gateways” because they are at the ‘edge’ of the widely distributed network of devices creating and…

What is Microsoft® SQL Database Server?

Microsoft® SQL Server is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft. As a database server, it is a software product with the primary function of storing and retrieving data as requested by other software…

What is JavaScript Object Notation (JSON)?

In computing, JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) is an open-standard file format that uses human-readable text to transmit data objects consisting of attribute–value pairs and array data types (or any other serializable value).

Define Industry 4.0

This is closely related to the Industrial Internet of Things and the term is often used interchangeably. Industry 4.0 is mostly used in Europe and is more focused on manufacturing.

What is Message Queuing Telemetry Transport ( MQTT)?

MQTT stands for Message Queuing Telemetry Transport. It is an extremely simple and lightweight publish/subscribe messaging protocol, designed for constrained devices and low-bandwidth, high-latency, or unreliable networks. The design principles are to minimize network bandwidth…